Marshall's and Winner's Holiday Gift Ideas and a Haul!

I was in need of some serious retail therapy, so I hit up my local Marshall's and Winner's stores. Luckily I have both stores 5 minutes from my house. 

I needed to restock my hair clips (shown near end of this post) that I use for sectioning my hair when styling and for when I do my highlights as all of my previous ones had broken. Luckily, I found a set of them at Winner's. As you'll see, I found many other great deals and fabulous finds that I'll share with you here. They are already getting some great gift sets in stores for the holidays!

Note: Everything I purchased will be shown at the end of this post.

Let's see what I spotted in my local Marshall's and Winner's stores...

These gorgeous boots are by Aldo. I definitely would have snatched them up when I was younger. I very rarely wear heels anymore, so I left them for another lucky person.

I spotted this adorable mug in the checkout aisle. It was only $4.99. Marshall's and Winner's always have the cutest mugs.

I thought these 7 For All Mankind camo ankle rainboots were adorable. They were on sale for only $24. But since I already own a pair of rainboots, I also left these behind.

I spotted these Union Bay combat boots at the first store that I went to. They seemed like great quality and I have wanted a pair of boots just like these for a few years now, so I went to another store, found my size and scooped them up. I wear between 8.5 - 9 depending on the cut. The 8.5 fit me perfectly in these, so if you are between sizes, I would probably go with the smaller size.

I'm not really sure how I ended up in the sock aisle as I didn't think that I needed any socks. 😄 Turns out that I did. When I saw these socks with the padded heel, I realized they might be just what I needed for my shoes that cut up my heels. I ended up finding the same type of socks by Skechers and went with those ones because I felt that the Puma's were too sporty for the shoes I wanted to wear them with. But, I would def. go with the Puma's for a more sporty shoe. Price $12.99 for 6 pairs. Skechers were $9.99 for 6 pairs.

This ring light (similar) was unexpected but a great find. $29.99

There were quite a few of these cute Snuggle Buddy plush toys (similar) that you can microwave and use to warm yourself up. This would definitely make a great gift for the chilly person in your life.  I believe they were $19.99.

This set of Oasis 7 foot masks (similar) would be a great gift for anyone who could use a little pampering. This set includes 4 masks (2 peeling, 2 moisturizing) for $12.99.

This Estee Lauder Travel in Color gift set is a great deal at $29.99 and would make a great gift for the beauty lover in your life.

Gift sets shown here by Tocca and Laneige. Laneige is super popular right now and would be a great gift for the skincare enthusiast. Tocca $16.99/ Laneige $34.99.

This Clinique gift set is another item that would make a fabulous gift. Can't recall the price on this one but I'm pretty certain it was under $30.

What a great find this Mac set was! Any die hard Mac fan would love it. I believe it was $19.99.

Here we have a Clinique Acne clearing gift set as well as Glam Glow's Hydration Love Fest Set.

This Shiseido gift set would make a great stocking stuffer. I've never tried this brand but I definitely should. My Mother always used Shiseido back in the day.

I'm always interested in trying new hair products, especially anything geared towards "anti-breakage." This would also make a great gift for someone you know who struggles with damaged or brittle hair.

Rude Cosmetics Bite Me Eyeshadow Palette includes an eyeliner as well. Rude Cosmetics is very affordable and good quality. I've been seeing them a lot lately at Marshall's and Winner's. Great stocking stuffer for the makeup lover in your life.

All of these hair tools looked so enticing from Conair to Chi, I want to try them all! The makeup mirror (similar) looks fabulous too.

I love Marshall's and Winner's for their Haircare products. They have a lot of high end products at greatly reduced prices. I didn't even know that Dr. PawPaw had a hair treatment and I'm curious about it! I used to use the BioSilk Silk Therapy back in the day, I should probably try it again.

Another great gift idea with this heating pad. I personally can't live without mine. If I didn't have one, I would def. have scooped this one up.

Marshall's and Winner's is also a great place to find all-natural products like the Giovanni hair products shown above. It's also a great place to find a large selection of all-natural deodorants and other bath products.

Here are some more high-end skincare gift sets, including Eve Lom which I've heard so much about. 

And, more hair tools that look pretty amazing! I'm very curious about the Hot Tools hair styling brush, as I have the Revlon one, but rarely use it as I find it quite hot and thus damaging.

This Cortex Beauty Beyond Styler hair styling set is VERY intriguing! It retails for $250 CAD!  It is giving me Dyson vibes but much cheaper. It was around $50 or $60.

Here's a glimpse of one endcap full of beauty storage ideas, gift sets, and quite a bit of Marc Jacobs Beauty including their blush, bronzer, and highlight trios for only $24.99!

Below is what I ended up purchasing. Yes, I went a little ham on refreshing my nail polish collection and sports bras. And to think, I only went in for the hair clips 😅 

KMS Moist Repair Hair Conditioner on clearance for $10 / Retail $47CAD!

Foxy Bae Leave in Hair Mask on clearance for $8 (My current favourite leave in conditioner- full review linked here)

SwissCo Crocodile Hair clips $5.99

OPI nail polish in Barefoot in Barcelona $6.99

China Glaze Nail Polish in Kill the Lights $4.99

Orly nail Polish in Coming up Roses $4.99

I found so many amazing deals on sports bras! I wear sports bras as my daily bras and to sleep in so I couldn't pass these up for $5-$7 per bra!

Pictured above is a 2 pack of Reebok (RBX) sports bras on clearance for $10. The retail tag says $58 and that is probably in USD. I sized up for a comfy fit.

Pictured above are 2 Puma sports bras. (similar) Both were on clearance for $7 each! Similar I sized up in both for a comfy fit.

This Rae Dunn sports bra was on clearance for only $6! (Unable to find online).

I'm definitely stocked up on sports bras for a while. I saw many others name brand sports bras on clearance for the same prices that I paid. It was very tempting to purchase them all at such great prices!

Last but not least, here are the Union Bay Hayden boots that I purchased for $49.99 (retail $60 USD) and the Skechers socks (similar) for $9.99

I hope you enjoyed this "shop with me" so to speak. Next time, I really have to get some clothing pics as well as some photos from other departments. There was just so much in store. I am definitely going back. There are some candles that I need to pick up and I wouldn't  mind checking out some of the bedding. But the clearance racks will always be my favourite spot to check out! 

Happy Shopping! 🛒

#lovemarshalls #winnersfabfinds

*Some links are affiliate

Live Clean Fall Beauty Renew & Repair 6 Piece #Giveaway

Since Fall is officially here as of tomorrow, what better way to celebrate than with a Live Clean Fall Beauty Renew & Repair giveaway!? 🍂

Over at Live Clean headquarters, the Fall is a time to renew and repair. The Live Clean Fall Beauty Renew and Repair giveaway includes all the essentials to take care of your hair, skin, and body as we head into the cooler and drier months, and at the same time, also undo some of the damage that may have been done by the harsh summer months.

One lucky reader will win everything pictured which includes 6 of Live Clean's most effective and best-selling products designed to hydrate, moisturize, exfoliate, and cleanse. These products will take care of you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Approximate retail value $65.00.

HAIR

 Live Clean Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo

Live Clean Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo & Conditioner

With 100% pure Argan Oil for enhanced long-term conditioning, maximum shine and protection from the damaging effects of the sun. With added Panthenol for even more moisture and shine, certified botanical Olive Oil to protect against free radicals and certified organic Grape Seed Oil to regenerate and restructure damaged, stressed hair. 

350 mL, suggested retail: $7.49 - $7.99 each.

Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner Spray

Long-term conditioning…shine…protection from sun damage…these are some of the exceptional benefits of Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Leave-in Conditioner Spray with 100% pure Moroccan Argan Oil. LIve Clean's added certified organic Grape Seed and Olive Oils for even greater conditioning. 

150 mL, suggested retail: $6.99

FACE

Live Clean Fresh Face Nourishing Night Cream

Created for all skin types and specially formulated to restore and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Renewing your skin’s moisture balance, you’ll love the morning result: softer, smoother, younger-looking skin. Live Clean's special Orchid extract seals in moisture and replenishes your skin’s moisture barrier while Vitamin C boosts your skin’s radiance and protects. Live Clean's certified organic botanicals, including Lavender, Cucumber, Chamomile, Milk Thistle, Mallow, Aloe and Buckhorn, calm and soothe. 

50 mL, suggested retail: $19.99.

Live Clean Fresh Face Smoothing Facial Scrub

This gentle but determined exfoliant scrub removes impurities and surface dullness revealing a soft, even-toned – and luminous – complexion. Live Clean's secret: natural grains of finely ground corn cob to exfoliate and our Orchid extract to replenish moisture and seal it in. Meanwhile, antioxidant Vitamin C boosts radiance and our perfect combination of certified organic botanicals – Lavender, Cucumber, Chamomile, Milk Thistle, Mallow, Aloe and Buckthorn – calm and soothe weary skin. 

140 g, suggested retail: $14.99.

BODY

Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Body Lotion 

Enriched with luscious tropical Coconut Milk, certified organic Apricot extract and Vitamins C, E, and B.  This rich, creamy body lotion hydrates and restores moisture balance to dry skin, helps maintain elasticity and improves the natural beauty of the skin. 

500 mL, suggested retail: $7.49 - $7.99.

The pillars of Live Clean: 🍃

• 98% plant and natural based ingredients
• SLS and silicone free
• Petrolatum, paraben and phthalate free
• DEA free
• Phosphate free
• Dye-free
• Vegetarian formulas
• Never tested on animals
• Hypoallergenic
• Biodegradable ingredients
• Packaging recyclable

Live Clean leaves out the harsh chemicals which can be hormone disruptors.Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals is imperative to our health these days! I am so grateful to Live Clean for bringing us these natural, chemical free products at an affordable price. 

Live Clean is available at drug stores, grocery stores, mass retailers and online.  

Giveaway is open to Canada only.

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. The only mandatory entry is to leave a comment. All other entries are optional and will earn you more entries.

Good luck to everyone! 🍀

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Sephora 2017 Birthday Gift | Tarte Paaarty Blush + Tartiest Lip Paint Birthday Suit with Swatches

This year Sephora is offering some great choices as their birthday gift for Beauty Insiders. One being this Tarte set that I'm featuring, and the other is a skincare set by Caudalie (shown below). I believe in the USA they have a 3rd choice of a Jack Black set.

You can get more info on the birthday gift choices on Sephora's website.

Photo credit: Sephora.ca

 As much as I love skincare, the choice was easy for me. I've never owned a Tarte blush and have always been curious.

The Tarte package includes their Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty (1.5g) as well as their Tartiest Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit (1 ml)- both aptly named.

Tarte Blush in Paaarty | Tartiest Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit

The Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes are "long-wearing, solar-baked blush that lasts up to 12 hours." They are formulated without parabens, sulfates, Phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, GMOs, and triclosan.

Sephora's website does not offer a colour description for the colour Paaarty. Although it looks mauve in the pan, I would describe it as a peach/pink with a rosy tone. This shade would go with most makeup looks. 

I'm so happy with my choice. The Amazonian Clay blush definitely lives up tot they hype! It's beautiful, pigmented, and long lasting. The colour Paaarty is a perfect peachy-pink matte colour that would be suitable for many skin tones.

Tarte Blush in Paaarty | Tartiest Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit

The Tartiest lip paint in Birthday Suit goes on MUCH darker than it appears in the tube. Far too dark for me. But, I can see how this colour would appeal to those who are younger or have medium to deep skin tones. I prefer much lighter nudes so I won't be using this lip paint. I also found it to be too drying for my aging and dehydrated lips. However, it is a very nice dark nude shade that I'm sure many would appreciate.

Swatches: Tarte Blush in Paaarty | Tartiest Lip Paint in Birthday Suit

Although I won't be using the lip shade, I'm still very happy that I chose the Tarte birthday gift as the blush alone is worth it to me.

Tarte is a cruelty-free company.

You can purchase this duo here.

* This post is not sponsored. No affiliate links are used.

Health Canada | Proposed Changes To Regulate Natural Supplements In Canada #saveoursupplements

If you are a Canadian resident, please read this!

If you haven't heard, Health Canada is proposing changes to natural health products so that they would be regulated similarly to prescription drugs. This could cause many of the natural supplements we use to disappear, or become less accessible, it would increase their cost, and reduce the amount of information that is available about these products. This would affect supplements, homeopathics, vitamins, herbs, and more.

Canada is a global leader in the regulation of natural health products. All natural health products are reviewed and licensed by Health Canada before hitting the shelves here in Canada, this ensures that products are both safe and effective. This is demonstrated by a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the product.

Natural health care is a big part of my life, not only in the treatment of ailments but also in prevention, and general health care. Maybe it's also an important part of your life or someone you know, so I hope you'll join me by taking a minute of your time to click the link that I've shared below to send a standard letter to your MP in opposition of this proposal.

How can you help?

You can help save our supplements by taking one minute to send a pre-written letter by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) to your Member of Parliament, letting them know that you do not agree with these changes,

Click this link to send your letter: (closed)
http://www.pushpolitics.ca/clients/chfa/index.html

To learn more about this proposal and what you can do to help me stop it, click the link below:
https://chfa.ca/en/natural-health-products/nhps-not-drugs/index.html

I hope you'll join me in trying to prevent these changes by sending a quick letter to your MP with the link provided above.

#saveoursupplements

xo

Artis Oval 8 Foundation Makeup Brush Dupe!? #review & #giveaway 2 WINNERS!! (CLOSED)

I have heard so much about the Artis makeup brushes and would have loved to try one, but at such a heavy price tag for a makeup brush, I wasn't willing to spend that much money for one makeup brush.

I heard about possible dupes and did some research. I ended up purchasing one on Amazon that is supposed to be a dupe. Obviously, since I don't own the Artis brush, I won't be able to confirm whether it is a dupe or not. But, it was still fun trying it out!

The brush I purchased is equivalent to the Artis Oval 8 based on its size.

Brush Claims: 

• Material:Synthetic hair+ The electroplating handle
• Total length:17.5cm; Hair size:6*5cm
• Give you a flawless foundation application every single time
• No streaks and no areas with too much makeup or too little

I find that this brush is SUPER soft and very dense. It feels like good quality and has not shed one single hair. The handle is a little weak, so I hold it closer to the brush which feels more natural anyways.

I don't wear foundation, only BB creams. I have experimented with different BB creams and techniques trying to master using this brush to apply my BB cream. I have found that circular motions with very gentle pressure works best with some of my products while other ones work better with gentle downward motions. Sometimes, I find it drags the product around my face a bit, so I find using less product helps.The brush doesn't seem to absorb a lot of the product which is good. I also find that it thins out my BB cream, making my coverage lighter- not so happy about that aspect. However, the brush is super easy to use and allows me to apply my BB cream very quickly which I really appreciate and it doesn't leave streaks. After washing the brush it takes a long time to dry, 1.5- 2 days as there are so many bristles!

This brush has 5-star reviews on Amazon and many say it is indeed a dupe for the Artis foundation brush. Although it's very quick and easy, I find it a bit more work than I'd expect based on the fact that this is supposed to perform like a $65USD brush.

Just for fun, I want to give one  TWO of these away! Maybe one of you guys can figure out the best technique and let me know! Or, maybe it's just better with foundation over thicker BB creams. I haven't tried it with a foundation yet.

This giveaway is only open to my readers that have a Canadian or USA shipping address, as the product will be shipped directly from Amazon.ca or Amazon.com (sorry to my international readers!) Keep in mind that shipping took a few weeks to get to me, so it will probably be the same for the winner of this giveaway. Must be 18 + years of age or have parental permission. Item may appear different than what is pictured, depending on availability.

The only mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this post and enter using the rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will run for one week. Good luck, everyone!

*** UPDATE: There will be 2 winners, get your entries in!



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